July Newsletter

Here’s what you’ll learn about in this month’s newsletter:

  • Supporting the Industry: A Vital Role for CEOs and Technology Leaders 
  • Exciting IDEA Connector News
  • IDEA Receives 2024 Top EDI Solutions Provider Award
  • Follow us on LinkedIn and Subscribe on YouTube

Supporting the Industry:
A Vital Role for CEOs and Technology Leaders

By David Oldfather, IDEA President & CEO

In the fast-paced world of technology and commerce, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle of innovation and progress. However, amidst the digital revolution, there lies a fundamental need to support the very foundation of our industries. This is where the Industry Data Exchange Association (IDEA) steps in, assuming a pivotal leadership position in facilitating the exchange of crucial data that drives businesses forward through flagship products IDEA Connector℠ and IDEA Exchange℠, as well as providing a growing service offering. Read More.


    ETIM Version 9 Now Available

    Extra! Extra! read all about it! ETIM Version 9 is now available in IDEA Connector. IDEA Connector now supports ETIM Versions 7, 8 and 9. Manufacturers download the new B-View Flat File Guidelines where you will find the new FB99_v.7.0 Import Template or download the updated B-View XML Guidelines which supports the <etim9Attributes> tagging structure to load your product content to IDEA Connector. 

    Login to the IDEA Learning Portal to learn more about the FB99 Import Template and review the ETIM v9 Category Attribute Import Template Micro Course. Distributors, ETIM Version 9 is now available in IDEA Connectors’ Extractor Tool in the following options: Flat File, XML, or Custom Map formats. To learn more about the available extraction options, login to the IDEA Learning Portal and review the IDEA Connector Extract Options Quick Reference Guide and download the B-View Guidelines for layout references.

    72 New Harmonized Data Model (HDM) Product Categories coming soon! 

    Manufacturers: Not to worry – IDEA will do all the work. Our mapping and preprocessor for all manufacturers’ data is being updated to meet the new Data Attribute Names, Values, and UOMs without changing the integrity of the manufacturer data provided. During this process, IDEA may reach out to you to validate the data values and UOMs provided. Manufacturers can provide mapping options, update their PIM or MDM systems, or keep sending their product information as they do today.

    Distributors: The new Product Categories, Data Values, and UOMs will automatically download in your Category Attribute or Custom Map Extraction files with the normalized, standardized enhanced product attribute values. To review the listing of new Product Categories, Login to the IDEA Connector and process the applicable report (CAS Data Typing Report or ETIM Data Typing Report).

    We hope you are excited about the new release of Harmonized Product Data Categories and we’re looking forward to working with you to provide normalized, standardized product content and attribute values. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the IDEA Customer Success team at ideacustomersuccess@idea4industry.com.

    Manufacturer Website Taxonomy Template Now Available

    Great News! –  IDEA facilitates the exchange of ecommerce data which now includes Manufacturer Website Taxonomy levels. B11 – Manufacturer Website Taxonomy Template is available for extraction in flat file and XML formats. Manufacturer website taxonomy structure levels are provided to distributors to assist with product classification, reporting, and to aid in product placement on their ecommerce websites. Login to the IDEA Learning Portal download the new B-View Flat File Guidelines and B-View XML Guidelines. Contact your IDEA Account Executive or your Customer Success Team member today to learn more about providing the Manufacturer Website Taxonomy to IDEA Connector.


    IDEA Receives 2024 Top EDI Solutions Provider Award

    IDEA is the leading EDI services provider within the electrical industry. Our mission revolves around facilitating high-quality transactional and e-commerce content exchange while setting industry standards.


    Did you know that the IDEA Learning Portal offers a personalized and interactive learning approach? The Adaptive Learning Path in the IDEA Learning Portal offers a “choose your own adventure” when it comes to your learning. This is dynamic and engaging way to develop skills and knowledge optimizes your training experience and tailors your training path. And, as a reminder, you can also always use the various search and sorting capabilities of the Course Catalog to quickly and easily access specific courses. Login to the IDEA Learning Portal today to begin your learning adventure!